The Making of THE SPARKS BROTHERS Documentary | Edgar Wright, Ron Mael, & Russell Mael Interview

We spoke with Director Edgar Wright, Ron Mael, and Russell Mael about the making of the The Sparks Brothers documentary.
**Correction - we're aware it's RON Mael, not Rob. Slip of the finger!
Follow Den of Geek!
Website: www.denofgeek.com/us
Facebook: / denofgeekus
Twitter: / denofgeekus
Instagram: / denofgeek
Tumblr: / denofgeek
#TheSparksBrothers

[@denofgeek]

**deep inhale** RON MAEL. Ron. R o *N* . (listen, the B is right next to the N on the keyboard and we're SORRY)

[@gerrabath]

So is the M. LoL!

[@annabackman3028]

Haha! That and spelling program... I know.

[@AndrewWyld]

Today we spell redemption: R, O, N.

[@rsmko]

T.O.D.

[@TheRealRonMoses]

@@AndrewWyld Well done sir.

[@seenaroundboston2302]

When I was 13 (1976), I used to write fan letters to all of my favorite musical artists, with the hope that they would in turn send me autographed photos or other goodies. Never heard back from most of them, and when I did, it would always be an application form to sign up for (and pay for) fan club membership. Then one day I got a personally hand-written postcard in the mail from Russell Mael. He is the only one who ever took the time to write back.

[@annabackman3028]

In an interview (around the 'Balls' era, made in a rainy park in London) Russell was asked to describe Ron with one word, and he came up with "sweet" immediately. Ron had objections about that, but what I've seen in interviews I think that word could work well on both of them.

[@happyviewer4872]

Aww. That's so wonderful. Despite the fact that I only discovered them a few days ago, I 'm not surprised you got an actual, real response.

[@annabackman3028]

@@happyviewer4872 Welcome to the Wonderful World of Sparks ✨ 💖 💖 💖

[@happyviewer4872]

@@annabackman3028 Thank you, Anna. 🙂🎶

[@BioDieselEstate]

Seen Around Boston, It is not often that I read of such a marvellously heartwarming story. Thank You. I hope you still have that postcard.

[@simonrussell4986]

Every time I see Ron out of character, I feel like the world isn't as scary as I thought. Just the tonic for these weird times.

[@TessArchiveClearance]

It was a true joy to work on this film, Edgar is awesome

[@MasDouc]

I've been combing through these guys discography and I'm actually upset with myself for not knowing about this band prior to this documentary. These guys were wayyyyy ahead of their time.

[@gypsyjhoni]

I remember seeing them on American Bandstand in the 80s w/Jane weidlen of the go-go’s performing cool places(it’s hard to believe that they actually had a top-40 single in the states)?! I knew that they were around in the 70s,but not in the 60s,they came out the year that I was born,well da’am?! LONG LIVE SPARKS ⚡️

[@creeder44]

If you think you're frustrated, imagine being someone like me who's loved this band since the '70s and spent all those years trying to get people to listen. I'm thrilled that this movie is out, but also absolutely stunned.

[@annabackman3028]

@@creeder44 I rediscovered them just in time for 'Hippopotamus' release. Loved 'Kimono My House' and 'Propaganda' since mid seventies, but hated 'Big Beat' (now I love it, all I can blame is 1. Not knowing English good enough to understand, 2. I wasn't ready for so "heavy" 😂 music). Totally lost track of them, but played those two records all the years. I quickly became what Edgar so fittingly calls; an evangelist! Still can't understand that I didn't look for them on Internet, googled or YT!? I sort of assumed they were dead or, I don't know. Not active as a band anyway. But I must say, it has been a true treat, this journey to discover everything they have done! My only regret is that I missed the "21x21"! I could probably sell my soul to the devil himself, if I had the offer to go back in time, having a 21 nights ticket 🤣🤣🤣!

[@kyachdistent1301]

@@annabackman3028 I get a lot of what you say. You can get an album wrong and then think years later-"God that's good!" Listen I'm embarrassed myself for not remembering to look them up enough and to bother looking through their discographies. Some of that does go with the fact both of them remain so uniquely under the radar when not recording and performing, which they like, mind you it doesn't change them being entirely approachable. But I don't think we should be as embarrassed, shamefaced, appalled and horrified as the UK (for instance), who after welcoming them relatively early, then turned their back on them for an entire decade (the 80s) when they, unlike most already established band, went through it perfectly, adapting easily to the sound of the times while keeping their very own distinctive and evocative sound and way of writing, performing and singing to it all, and their videos are a scream! Why the stupid public, DJs and the rest should tune out from the majority of Sparks' best material (not least the killer 1983 "In Outer Space" & "Pulling Rabbits Out Of A Hat" album is testament to the fact that the majority of people will always get things wrong. Other decent acts were also treated awfully in the 80s and even ABBA were treated with middling indifference when they were bashing out their best stuff! (In fact 2 actual ABBA albums are really not called ABBA albums at all but "Gemini" and "Geminism"-full of ABBA songs but sung by a spin-off in ABBA absence. Likewise the "unfinished" part of their 1982 album "Opus 10" are actually all on the "CHESS" album, just put the 2 together! Sparks have had the last laugh by crashing back into the UK Top 10 2x since 2017! Better late than almost never. Trouble is, people bang on about all the ones that don't matter, and I don't see how Pet Shop Boys could have even existed without Sparks. They're certainly inferior, good as some of their older stuff may be.

[@kyachdistent1301]

@@gypsyjhoni Well even stupid America HAD to chart one of their songs somewhere, but I know what you mean, I mean, Sparks music too good for the moronic States, that's why they hit the big time first over here, but I SOO not proud of our relationship with them in the 80s when much of their excellent stuff was done (and for a short time) US took a bit more of an interest.

[@prokesuk]

When "This Town Ain't Big Enough For The Both Of Us" started playing in Kick Ass I got all giddy and quit paying attention to the movie. So, yeah... he's right about that.

[@kyachdistent1301]

That's not hard. Movie ain't all that. Says it all a song over 30 years old should utterly ram it out of the way.

[@BioDieselEstate]

Really lovely to see Sparks in 2021; still together, still "making it", still Special

[@troygaspard6732]

I look forward to seeing it. In a theater hopefully. Sparks deserves the big screen.

[@thevoid99]

i saw the film last sunday as it was the first film i had seen in the movie theaters for over a year and man... it felt fucking good and what a way to return to the cinema. i had a blast watching that film.

[@paganpines]

Oh my god, they are just DARLING.

[@anderssvensson9981]

Different does not equal good..but when good and different marry, it´s fantastic. There´s no other band that´s proven this as well as Sparks.

[@paddymitchell4995]

A truly amazing band , they should be world superstars.

[@kyachdistent1301]

They are.

[@rokit430]

​@@kyachdistent1301 😂😂how would we not know that❤

[@kyachdistent1301]

@@rokit430 Hell yeah!🤩🤩🥰🥰

[@cesarlavalle7302]

saw Sparks live at Whisky-a-GoGo/LA in 1972!!!! sounded weird but irresistible!!! Still have vinyls from those days...

[@JustineLaLoba]

they played the Whiskey 6 days in a row in '72 to promote the Woofer Lp......I saw all 6 shows.......they were amazing

[@shepmathe]

How the heck did I miss that! Must have been a lot of fun. Good club to see them. Very intimate.

[@pmimagery1295]

Thank you so much for this!! Loved it.

[@jaytrace1006]

Per the documentary, the Maels REALLY wanted their music to be involved in films. Now, the Maels ARE the film! Btw, did anyone notice at the beginning of the film that Ron was wearing two complete, non-matching neckties...one on top of another?

[@joshpayne4015]

When I first heard of the documentary, I said out loud in an almost involuntary way "NO WAY!" because I have never known anyone who's heard of them. And that's since 1983 when I first fell for their amazing music. I'm glad that this documentary has been another mechanism for new fans to discover the amazing Sparks.

[@yvonnevanhek5199]

I'm going to the Picture House on Fulham Road (@ 6:30) tonight to see the documentary and there's a Q&A with Edgar afterwards. I'm so excited 💯👌

[@rokit430]

Added this documentary to my Sparks library. Thankyou Edgar and all who took part. Thankyou for a life of music brothers Mael❤

[@causilvestrini7000]

I loved this interview. Fantastic!

[@andrewdelouise4830]

Madonna is in the rock and roll hall of Fame. Sparks are not. Sad, isn't it?

[@DanQcaT]

Not really. They put you into Hall Of Fame when they don't expect anything new from you. SPARKS are still on the rise ^_^.

[@chrishornbostel9831]

Not sure why it's necessary to denigrate the work of a very successful woman in pop music who carved out a career for herself on her own terms in order to elevate another very deserving artist in Sparks. Maybe check that casual misogyny at the door and recognize that both artists are deserving.

[@mollyj6286]

Madonna taught all women that it's OK to like sex and be sexy and dance sexy. I owe my life to Madonna. Just joking. Sparks are geniuses and Madonna had some good songwriters and a fantastically large business machine behind her, but she's mainly an image.

[@TweedSuit]

The RRHOF is focused on commercially successful artists. Sparks are more a cult band.

[@sexobscura]

@@mollyj6286 Only in your mind

[@mortimerjames218]

I'm SO excited!!! Sparks are the best!!

[@caroleicher8002]

“Rob” has his sneaker collection on display in the background of his zoom setting - always defying expectations...

[@ryandonagheylovescash4710]

Jordan’s?

[@annabackman3028]

Watch his every Sunday series 'Lyrically Speaking', and you can watch his Jordans on every video 😎

[@robertdavidson9393]

Can't wait to see documentary!

[@AmadoWildlifeVideos]

1974 Brighton Dome, 45-minute set, straight off, no encore....disappointed teenager but I still love them. Someday I will reassess the world, and I'll still have time for the Maels.

[@HarryFlowerrs]

Superb duo! Class is permanent!

[@aldershot5100]

At school in 1974 I was 13.We all loved Ron's face and took it off

[@ryandonagheylovescash4710]

Hugely underrated band- geniuses

[@sexobscura]

@SoftCell

[@HarryFlowerrs]

Underrated to you maybe,highly rated by untold others!

[@kyachdistent1301]

@@HarryFlowerrs Yes.

[@DanielVerberne]

6:00 - its fascinating to me that the brothers have intentionally left much of their own lives and personas out of the limelight, letting their music and artistry do all the communicating. I can see where they are coming from - knowing too much about an artist can flavour how you respond to their artistry. Sometimes knowing less is better.

[@Looking1231]

One of the few major bands who have been there for a long time who have successfully been able to keep their privates lives pretty much private which is rare. I am sure they appreciate that a lot!

[@annabackman3028]

And you still don't know much more about their private lives after watching the film! 👍

[@kyachdistent1301]

It's amazing also there's been no "kiss and tell" stories. I mean, they'd have chased girls too, right? Gagging orders? Or just bad memories?

[@FumbleAIBO]

@@kyachdistent1301 , there's been only some minor and rather gentlemanly kiss-and-tell from Russ... he talks a little bit in the film about his relationships with Miss Christine and Jane Wiedlin. And Jane talks about having a crush on Russ and Ron both, and wondering now if she picked the wrong brother, lol.

[@kyachdistent1301]

@@FumbleAIBO Thank you for telling me this, it's good to know. They're just really nice guys, so am not too surprised. Many people in then public eye don't even NEED to, do they, they just social media to do it for them! Ha, picked the wrong brother/sister stuff. Heard that before over the years about many people!

[@cynthiagelmirez3738]

A unique sound and very entertaining character play. I attended a Sparks concert in the 70s at the Cleveland Agora Club. Russell called me on stage because he saw my energy - most of the people in the audience were sitting and I was standing and dancing. I was too shocked to dance on stage with Russell - but he blew my mind. After that - Sometime later I saw a Bruce Springsteen music video and he called a girl out of the audience and she danced with him on stage. I thought - I bet that was planned. Ha ha! When I first saw Sparks on television I was hooked. I bought their album from Record Revolution in Cleveland Heights on Coventry. I also met Lou Reed at Record Revolution when he came to Cleveland. I really enjoyed Who Don’t Like Kids and the character play by Ron. I felt like they had a message - and it was personal for me. I learned that Sparks was from America but went to England. They made themselves famous and then came back to America. I just watched and listened to Left Out In The Cold and it must be true - they are magic.

[@FumbleAIBO]

Fun fact... you are right and the girl in the Bruce Springsteen video was in fact a hired actress they used as a plant. And she would later become very famous.. it was Courtney Cox, in one of her very first appearances on film.

[@DanielVerberne]

I hadn't heard of these brothers or the Sparks, but I'm intrigued. I'm glad for them that after such a long career that they have had such interest being paid by a talented director. This will most surely bring the Sparks new fans and new appreciation.

[@annabackman3028]

Director? Did you mean Edgar Wright on the documentary, or Leos Carax on their musical movie ANNETTE? Carax won the 'Best Director' prize, and Sparks 'Best Soundtrack' at the Cannes Film Festival, which their film opened, a great honor! 😁

[@neonskyline1]

As far as i'm concerned, Sparks, Rush, Erasure, PSB, Kate Bush and Yello are the main people in music who i can think of who deserve total respect, maybe Lemmy as well

[@markmcnamara9502]

What about THE KINKS..?

[@neonskyline1]

@@markmcnamara9502 I'm not talking about good bands, i've never listened to them talking, most performers are full of themselves

[@briancox8518]

Yello class band

[@kyachdistent1301]

PSB would be nothing without Sparks, and have been drivel for ages. Too full of their so-called cleverness, but their limitations are clear, and utterly overrated. Kim Wilde, Alphaville, Sandra, OMD, Duran Duran, Crowded House, Kirsty MacColl, Big Country, China Crisis, 'Til Tuesday & Cock Robin & Bangles, and obviously ABBA are the ones that deserve total respect, though I agree that pre1994 Kate Bush and Erasure are fine.

[@lamecasuelas2]

Edgar Is so cool and the pair of him with Sparks Is like so perfecto. Like It even sounds good

[@kempowarrior1954]

Well deserved subjects! Worth watching.

[@legeantdunord4091]

Ron and Russell Mael are extraterrestrials. If you love them, probably you too!

[@annabackman3028]

I daily shave down my antennas, but they just keep popping up🙄👾

[@ENigma-um8zw]

Great band, lovely doc!

[@horseframe]

“Rob and Russell Mael”. (00:29). Rob???

[@micheleshipp1]

Ron

[@hhlohmann3881]

Pure misprint, should read obviously "Rigoberto"

[@gleamingspire]

Rob Mael the missing Spark for 50 years. Who knew?

[@stomachsteinway]

Robald

[@annabackman3028]

"B" is next to "N". Too big fingers. Happens to all of us! 😂😂

[@btm380]

I don't have any of their records but I'm *really* looking forward to this documentary!

[@shepmathe]

You well end up buying some after you see movie. Lots to check out. Have fun.

[@btm380]

@@shepmathe Ha! I have Drip & Hippopotamus arriving today from Amazon.

[@FumbleAIBO]

@@btm380 Drip is amazing. I've been a fan since the early 80s and Sparks just keep getting better and better as they age.

[@fredfreddy8684]

Angst in my Pants is top shelf.

[@androoq1]

about to watch the doc again in a few minutes. obsessed

[@Bobballlives]

wer is it available?

[@androoq1]

@Emily Von Spears thrice now.

[@findingcharlotte]

Went twice.....

[@sinsephiroth5273]

Information is important. Thank you for that.

[@denofgeek]

thank YOU for watching

[@sinsephiroth5273]

@@denofgeek 🖤

[@Devo13]

In Outer Space and Pulling Rabbits Out of a hat are new wave magic. Listen to those everyday. But have been listening since the 70s.

[@annabackman3028]

The version of the song 'Pulling Rabbits Out Of A Hat' on the 'Plagiarism' album is better, I think. A matter of taste. 😍

[@Devo13]

@@annabackman3028 Nah,prefer the new wave version.

[@joeybanuelos]

I had no idea, I had a 12 inch single from the 80’s from them and didn’t know the complexity of the band.

[@jonasthemovie]

Closed the video at ”Rob”

[@annabackman3028]

Va' inte så hård! 😂

[@batphink2655]

WHO is that music at 0:12 seconds it's AMAZING and beautiful? Love these guys so talented and unique!

[@annabackman3028]

That starts at 12 seconds? No idea. Before is 'This Town Ain't Big Enough For Both Of Us'.

[@marknorth1004]

Unique

[@ReadyWhenYouAre]

Does Den not invest in microphones?

[@yrwehere]

"Happy Hunting Ground" and "How Are You Getting Home" are in my top 100 of all-time.

[@the9-2-5outlawdoestech9]

First off, it’s Ron Mael, not Rob.

[@hhlohmann3881]

From the Cambridge side of California

[@EdDunkle]

There are some good covers of the very wonderful song "Never Turn Your Back on Mother Earth."

[@paganpines]

Yeah, Martin Gore's version in the 80's was the one that made me want to know more about these guys.

[@TPToE]

What's the music at 0:13?

[@Johnnybananass-_]

SAPRKS made an actual film?? how do I not know this ,

[@joezava8257]

Fue Giorgio⚡Moroder el padre del EDM que con su sonido NRG & Synthpop en 1979 cambia el sonido de los Rockeros Sparks...

[@davidk6271]

Which ones Rob?

[@bobdavis4848]

Sparks are great. This is a great documentary. At 0:28, why is Ron misspelled "Rob"? At 1:26, why is "All You Ever Think About is Sex" mistitled "All I Ever Think About Is Sex" by a "really big fan"?

[@lanceash]

Hmmm, "can't have the ups without the downs..." Sounds like this documentary will be far superior to the upcoming Zappa film, which is, apparently, nothing but praise and acclaim and genius, genius, genius. I hope I get to see both though.

[@kyachdistent1301]

Oy Wright, 'Pulling Bunnies Out Of A Hat' is perfect in it's first form, and 'Change' is fine too, though they may be bettered, have to hear it.

[@user-cv2df5cr8i]

Thank you Thank You T.h.a.n.k. Y.o.u. Brilliant . Precious . Just : Beautiful 😌✨❤️

[@Bobballlives]

Where is it streaming?

[@w.urlitzer1869]

it was on premiered at Sundance last weekend - U.S. only, now waiting for distribution I suppose.

[@coreyzimmerman9782]

Dapper Ron✅️🥂

[@christianauger5877]

Who is Rob??

[@annabackman3028]

Partly Ron, partly a slipped finger. Look at your keyboard ⬇!

[@joshadelson8151]

I love Sparks, but I'm only commenting on how frigging annoying the Bamix commercial is that popped up in the middle of this--the dopey woman lets the power cord run RIGHT THROUGH THE BUTTER!!! Oh well, I bought one of those Bamix things, and it works reasonably well. To bring this on topic, I once encountered Ron (not Rob) at Junior's Deli in Westwood, and I warned him about the white fish. I hope I saved his life. I'm just going to assume that I did.

[@iconicshrubbery]

Despite Edgar"s wonderful contribution, for over 50 years Sparks have stubbornly evaded classification and Fame ; so even in this apeothetic year I'm sure nothing will change, and they'll retain their exclusive cult status.

[@factboy3518]

How many LIKES can this man put in a sentence. I'm sure he's way more intelligent and articulate than he came across as.

[@Skoora]

Even though you want to see mysterious artists given their due and eventual exposure do you really want to know they might be relatively normal and lose that mystery? Lol

[@northernengland]

Best lyric writers are ,Ron, Robert Calvert and Neil Peart, I also like Neil Tennants.

[@patrickhicks9880]

i had no idea they were american

[@kyachdistent1301]

Russell, don't be so sweet and forgiving. Music is shit now and has been a long time. Sparks are above this crap. The "misses" thing is so important to cover, cos actually things should only be forgotten about a band's history if the album and singles suck and the period did. People need to realise for once that something being big is not the same as being good and, likewise, a so-called flop commercially is SO not the same thing as an artistic one. With fake acts and singers, every crap they do hits big but that's cos the music biz is a highly artificially unsound place where only a limited amount of (usually) very bad things are allowed to be made. Plus the audiences have dumbed down considerably and critics are all but dead (which would have much better had they been dead in the 70s & 80s and alive now!

[@JesusKrispies]

Stopped reading at "music is shit". It's such an obviously, lazily incorrect observation that I kind of don't care where you were going with it. There's more great music being made this year alone than any one human being could listen to in a lifetime. You're simply either too oblivious or too lazy to engage with it.

[@jayholloway7874]

I know life goes on BUT IF YOU HAD EVER HAD THE SPARKS CONCERT EXPERIENCE ::::WELL......id did hehehehe MAGIC :::::::::::::::::MOUNTAIN::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::CALIFORNIA::::::::::::1983

[@fredfreddy8684]

I saw Cheap Trick there in the 80s.

[@ngemoules]

Very cool interview but I had to give up before the end, too many "you knows". Drives me insane.

[@denofgeek]

I know this feeling, you know? (sorry)

[@philipheath3307]

I know! Really annoying, and very surprising from a duo who are so articulate and clever with their lyrics.

[@jonbush2370]

I mean if the guys in the beatles like them... you don't need any more proof that they really suck. Well.. that's a little harsh. It's not their fault that they like them. But it's their fault putting out "cool places" and that horrible new wave dance.

[@davidames1746]

I hope the Director made enough to have his teeth fixed!

[@louiseetherson1455]

you need you brain fixed

[@davidfanning1600]

I we going to admit that the 80s albums were shit?

[@iconicshrubbery]

That comment makes me wonder if some humans possess intelligence.

[@sugarjoe50]

Aside from "Angst in My Pants"?

[@caricaturafea453]

Hahahaha Nooo

[@caricaturafea453]

Sparks 80s era >>>> Your Favorite Album

[@chockergram]

Every Sparks album contains wonders...

[@theprofitmohamhead1268]

UGGGGGH! Buy glasses that fit nextime. Endless adjusting distracts from the story.

[@TheBroz]

You need to get a grip on what actually matters in this world.

[@theprofitmohamhead1268]

🤔🧐You have people come to you for advice?🤭🤣🫣